Netflix has ordered “Anna K,” a TV adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic “Anna Karenina,” as its first-ever Russian original drama series, the streaming service said Wednesday. The series is described as lavish retelling of Tolstoy’s novel, but set in modern-day Russia.

The show will star Svetlana Khodchenkova in the title role of Anna Karenina, the wife of the soon-to-become governor of St. Petersburg, who enters a life-changing love affair with Vronsky, the dashing heir of an aluminum empire, per “Anna K’s” synopsis. Their affair quickly careens out of control, threatening the delicate balance of their familial bonds and social relationships. Set between cosmopolitan Moscow, historic St. Petersburg, and Russia’s rugged countryside, the drama explores themes of passion and loyalty.

Roman Kantor and Maria Mikulina are writing “Anna K,” which will be directed by Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov, Natasha Merkulova, Aleksey Chupov and Kantor. Producers include Fedorovich,...